In 2009 the Australian Ocean swimming community enjoyed one of the biggest years in its 40-year history. Through this growth phase it met some of its biggest challenges, some of its biggest dramas and some of its most defining moments. From amateurs to professionals the 2009 season became the canvas for some of the most touching stories.

This film centres on four of those stories with a background of a sporting sub culture that represents at its core what it is to be Australian. This documentary follows:

• Shelley Clark, eight time 25km open water champion attempting her ninth title despite shoulder injuries;• Julie Isbill, a Manly resident, establishes a daily ocean swim that becomes very popular within her local community; • Michael Christie, aged 67 and following heart surgery, attempts the Rottnest crossing and veers off course making it difficult to complete within the official time; and • Paul Ellercamp a stalwart of the ocean swimming community faces the challenges of bureaucracy and a season beset with sharks!